Why do people have slow metabolism

Slow metabolism may be caused by genetic factors, aging, decreased muscle mass, imbalanced diet, hypothyroidism, and other reasons. A decrease in metabolic rate can lead to a reduction in energy expenditure, which can easily cause problems such as obesity and fatigue.

1. Genetic factors

Some populations are born with lower basal metabolic rates, which are related to physiological mechanisms such as mitochondrial function and enzyme activity determined by genes. Individuals with slow metabolism in their parents are more likely to experience similar situations, and they need to pay more attention to dietary control and exercise habits cultivation.

2. Aging

Muscle tissue in the human body naturally loses with age, and the basal metabolic rate decreases by about 2% to 3% every ten years after the age of 30. Muscles are the main energy consuming tissues, and their reduction directly leads to a decrease in resting energy expenditure, which is an important physiological reason for middle-aged and elderly people's tendency to gain weight.

3. Decreased muscle mass

Long term lack of strength training can cause muscles to gradually atrophy, with 1 kilogram of muscle consuming about three times as many calories per day as adipose tissue. A sedentary lifestyle can accelerate muscle loss, thereby reducing overall metabolic levels.

4. Imbalance in diet

Insufficient protein intake can affect muscle synthesis, and extreme dieting can trigger the body's starvation mode and actively reduce metabolism. Lack of B vitamins, iron, zinc and other trace elements can hinder the activity of energy metabolism enzymes, indirectly affecting metabolic efficiency.

5. Hypothyroidism

Thyroid hormones directly regulate cellular metabolic rates, and hypothyroidism patients often experience low metabolic symptoms such as cold sensitivity and weight gain. Hashimoto's thyroiditis, iodine deficiency, and other diseases can all lead to insufficient thyroid hormone secretion, which needs to be improved through medication treatment.

To improve slow metabolism, comprehensive measures should be taken. It is recommended to perform resistance training three to five times a week to maintain muscle mass and ensure a daily intake of at least one gram of high-quality protein per kilogram of body weight. Eating foods such as chili and green tea can promote thermogenesis, but hypothyroidism patients need to follow medical advice to supplement with levothyroxine sodium. Regularly testing thyroid function, avoiding staying up late, and extreme dieting can help maintain normal metabolic levels.